The Case for Coexistence: A Brief History of Conservation in Africa

This piece explores the evolution of conservation in Africa, from colonial-era "fortress" models to modern holistic approaches. The author traces how early European ideals of the "picturesque" - separating humans from nature - created lasting challenges in wildlife protection. Despite Africa housing a quarter of Earth's biodiversity, traditional conservation methods often excluded local communities, leading to ongoing conflicts. Now, there's a growing recognition that indigenous knowledge and community involvement are crucial for effective conservation. Through models emphasizing coexistence and local participation, Africa is rediscovering ancient wisdom: humans and nature thrive best together, not apart.